High-level Political Forum 2018

Summer is coming to a close and we are already gearing up for the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) 2018! As a refresher, the HLPF is the annual global platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Please continue reading for a concise review on what is happening.

The Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic Marie Chatardova is the new President of ECOSOC. It is fantastic to have a woman in this position!

The HLPF 2018 theme is “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies” with a special focus on SDG 6 (water), SDG 7 (energy), SDG 11 (cities and human settlements), SDG 12 (Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns), SDG 15 (terrestrial ecosystems), and SDG 17 (MOI and partnerships). SDGs 11 and 17 are the most relevant for persons with disabilities and our work. Refer below to the explicit references to persons with disabilities in the respective targets and indicators.

11.2 By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, “persons with disabilities” and older persons

11.2.1 Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age and “persons with disabilities”

11.7 By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and “persons with disabilities”

11.7.1 Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use for all, by sex, age and “persons with disabilities”

11.7.2 Proportion of persons victim of physical or sexual harassment, by sex, age, “disability status” and place of occurrence, in the previous 12 months

Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

17.18 By 2020, enhance capacity-building support to developing countries, including for least developed countries and small island developing States, to increase significantly the availability of high-quality, timely and reliable data disaggregated by income, gender, age, race, ethnicity, migratory status, “disability,” geographic location and other characteristics relevant in national contexts

The exact dates of the HLPF are not yet certain, but the event will be held for eight days in June/July of next year.

For CBM’s work at the national level, the countries of particular interest include Niger, Republic of Congo, Viet Nam, Mexico, and Ecuador. For our Member Associations, the countries of focus include Australia, Canada, Ireland, and Switzerland.

An important point to keep in mind is that during the 73rd session of the General Assembly, the format and organizational aspects of the HLPF will be reviewed by Member States. We must ensure that persons with disability continue to be meaningfully included in the HLPF.